DISMANTLED
The last time the Patriots faced the Vikings, Bill Belichick absolutely dismantled the Vikings in a 31-7 win by spreading out the overmatched Vikings defense with multiple receiver formations and essentially forgoing the running game.

While this roster boasts far more talent than the 2006 squad that lost that Halloween in October, the head coaching talent is the same, which is why the Vikings should be worried.

11
The number of players the Green Bay Packers have put on injured reserve this year. The latest is linebacker Brad Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Vikings.

SENIOR STATESMEN
The Vikings have the oldest active defensive player in the NFL on their roster in defensive tackle Pat Williams, who is 38, and the oldest player period in the NFL in quarterback Brett Favre, who is 41.

BITTER MUCH?
Former Minnesota Vikings and Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton is going on about Brett Favre again, this time on Twitter:

@Fran_Tarkenton: Brett Favre has stayed too long. This is like a Greek tragedy!

Tarkenton rather vociferously opposed Brett Favre’s joining the Vikings in the first place as a matter of principle: It’s sports sacrilege for a long-time rival like Favre to sign with the opposition.

You could forgive Tark for his old school attitude were it not for the fact that he’s got a vested interest in Favre failing as a Viking. If Favre doesn’t help the Vikings win a Super Bowl, then Fran remains the Single Greatest Viking In History.

Patriots: Quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder) was the only player listed on the report who was a full participant. Safeties Patrick Chung (knee) and Jarrad Page (calf), wide receiver Matthew Slater (ankle), running back Fred Taylor (toe) and nose tackle Vince Wolfork (not injury related) did not participate.

THROWBACK THURSDAY
Your Throwback Thursday video for today is of the Vikings’ 1999 season that featured Randall Cunningham and Jeff George at quarterback, Robert Smith in the backfield, the Three Deep trio of Cris Carter, Jake Reed, and a sophomore Randy Moss, and a defensive line that included Chris Doleman and John Randle. [WATCH highlights of the Vikings 1999 season.]